Insight is Japan's top seller

Honda’s Insight is the first hybrid to become the top-selling vehicle in Japan.

The car clinched the top sales spot for April, with the Japanese car maker shifting 10,481 units to the home market.

Honda has attempted to pitch the car as an affordable hybrid and sells the Insight for 1.89 million yen (£12,800) in Japan. The figures were released by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

A spokesman for the company said: “The all-new Insight has been very well received by a wide range of customers due to its excellent environmental performance, easy-to-use packaging, light and comfortable driving and affordable pricing.”

The revamped Toyota Prius is expected to be introduced within days and Honda’s rival is also likely to be aggressive with its pricing.